CN1757011A - Input device, information terminal device and mode switching method - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an input device, an information terminal device, and a mode switching method, a display section (3) and a camera section (4) are arranged on a main body (1). The housing is made of a non-conductive material. One side of the body (1) is an information input surface (5) of the input device. A lightweight and thin electrostatic sensor in the form of a film is arranged inside one side of the housing or inside the information input surface (5). When the fingertip (6) touches the information input surface (5), the cursor moves on the display (3) when the fingertip (6) moves up and down. The information input surface (5) is divided into three portions in the height direction, and these portions are defined as the point contact positions (U, C, L). When a fingertip (6) makes a single click on each click point, the sensor detects the touch/removal of the fingertip and recognizes the click operation. The touch operation means that a menu, a shutter operation, or the like at a position indicated by a cursor is determined, and the sensor can detect a difference in touched positions.

Description

Input device, information terminal device and mode switching method

technical field

The present invention relates to an input device, an information terminal device, and a mode switching method allowing a user to input commands by using the information terminal device.

scene technology

Recently, information terminal devices such as lightweight palm-type information terminals, wrist-watch-type information terminals, wrist-watch-type computers, and small electronic cameras have been proposed. For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2002-125039 describes a wrist-watch type information terminal.

Fig. 14 shows the appearance of a wrist-watch type information terminal described in the related technical field. As shown in FIG. 14 , the wristwatch type information terminal is composed of a main body 101 and wristbands 102 fixed to both end portions of the main body 101 . Arranged at an almost central portion of the upper surface of the main body 101 is a display portion 103 that displays various types of information. Arranged on the lower portion of the upper surface of the main body 101 are buttons 104a, 104b, and 104c, with which the wrist-watch type information terminal is operated. Arranged at the lower part of the main body 101 is an extension part 105 having a plurality of buttons 106 for inputting information.

However, as shown in FIG. 14, since the wrist-watch type information terminal is small, the input buttons are also small. Therefore, it is troublesome to operate these buttons, and it is easy for the user to misoperate the wrist-watch type information terminal. When the size of the button increases, the wrist type information terminal becomes larger in size and its design becomes worse. Furthermore, when the buttons are exposed to the outside of the wrist-worn information terminal, the buttons may be damaged, or the design of the terminal may deteriorate.

In a palm-type PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) or the like, an input operation is performed by touching a button appearing on a screen with a pen-shaped input device, however, since the pen-shaped input device is separated from the main body, the pen-shaped input device is easily lost. Furthermore, when performing an input operation, it is necessary to take out both the main body and the pen-shaped input device. Thus, the input operation becomes complicated. Furthermore, when information is input to the portable information terminal using a pen-shaped input device, it is necessary to have an information input area on the front surface. Thus, the size of the portable information terminal becomes large and its design deteriorates.

Contents of the invention

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an input device, an information terminal device, and a mode switching method that allow stable and easy execution of input operations without compromise of size increase and design deterioration.

In order to solve the foregoing problems, a first aspect of the present invention is an input device for an information terminal device, including: a position sensor disposed on a part of the outer surface of the main body of the information terminal device, wherein the position sensor detects that the finger is A touch position on the position sensor and a touch and release of a finger to or from the position sensor, and wherein an operation signal corresponding to the finger position and the touch and release operation of the finger is supplied to a controller controlling the information terminal device. As a more practical aspect of the invention, the sensing portion of the position sensor is housed by the housing of the main body.

A second aspect of the present invention is an information terminal device including: an input device; and a controller that controls the information terminal device and receives an operation signal from the input device, wherein the input device includes: a position sensor disposed on the On a part of the outer surface of the main body of the information terminal device, wherein the position sensor detects the touch position of the finger on the position sensor and the touch and release of the finger to or from the position sensor, and wherein corresponding to the position of the finger and the touch and release of the finger An operation signal of a release operation is supplied to a controller that controls the information terminal device. As a more practical aspect of the invention, the sensing portion of the position sensor is housed by the housing of the main body.

A third aspect of the present invention is a mode switching method of an information terminal device having multiple modes, wherein each mode has a sub-setting item, the method comprising the steps of: drawing a line on the upper part of the position sensor with a finger to The mode items are switched; the finger is touched and released from a predetermined position on the position sensor to switch the setting items; and a screen indicating the current mode is displayed on the display.

According to the present invention, since the sensing part of the position sensor is arranged on the front surface or the side surface of the main body, and input is performed corresponding to the position of the finger touching the position sensor and the state of touch and release of the finger to or from the position sensor, it is possible to operate in a narrow space. Build input devices in space. According to the present invention, since buttons and the like do not need to be disposed on the front surface of the casing, it is possible to prevent buttons from being pressed by mistake in a limited space of the input device. This input device provides high operability without compromise of poor design.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, there is no need to use a pen. Thus, when the user wears the input device, he or she can perform input regardless of storage of the pen. Furthermore, since the user's operations such as moving and touching his or her fingers are sensitive, the psychological stress of the input device according to the present invention is much lower than keyboard input and the like.

Description of drawings

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a wrist-watch type portable information terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a rear view showing the interior of the portable information terminal according to the embodiment of the present invention in a state where a rear cover is removed.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view and a partially enlarged view depicting an example of an electrostatic sensor.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the system configuration of the portable information terminal according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram depicting an operating method of the portable information terminal according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram depicting an example of the operation of the portable information terminal according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view showing the front and rear of a digital camera according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 8 is a plan view showing the top of the other embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a plan view and a rear view showing the structure of the touch panel according to the other embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the electrical structure of this other embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a shooting menu according to the other embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a playback menu according to the other embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of menu indication according to the other embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 14 is a front view showing the appearance of a conventional wristwatch type terminal device.

Detailed ways

Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1A is a front view showing a wrist-watch type information terminal according to the embodiment of the present invention. A wristwatch type information terminal has a main body 1 and a wristband 2 fixed to upper and lower end portions of the main body 1 . A single battery as a power source is accommodated in the main body 1 or the wristband 2 .

Arranged almost at the center of the main body 1 is a display portion 3 such as a flat panel display such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). Arranged at the upper right portion of the main body 1 is a camera section 4 composed of an image device such as CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor), and a lens. The housing of the main body 1 is made of non-conductive material such as ceramic or plastic.

The front surface other than the display portion 3 of the main body 1, or the side surface of the casing top, bottom, left side, or right side of the main body 1 is a user information input surface. According to the present embodiment, an area which is one side of the main body 1 and corresponds to the side of the display portion 3 is the information input surface 5 of the input device according to the present invention. Arranged on the side of the housing corresponding to the information input surface 5 is a position sensor such as an electrostatic sensor that detects a change in electrostatic capacitance (hereinafter, the sensor is sometimes referred to as a sensor). This position sensor will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 1B , an input operation is performed by moving the fingertip 6 of the user's index finger in an upward and downward direction on the information input surface 5 while touching the information input surface 5 . The position of the fingertip 6 is detected by internal sensors. As will be described later, when the fingertip 6 moves in the upward and downward directions, the selection position or the cursor moves in the display section 3 .

As shown in FIG. 1C, touch positions U, C, and L are defined, and the information input surface 5 is divided into the three parts in the height direction thereof. These touch positions are referred to as an upper touch position U, a central touch position C, and a lower touch position L. The sensor detects the release and touch status of the fingertip when lightly touching any of the touch locations. As a result, a tap operation is recognized. The touch operation enables confirmation of a menu at a selected position, execution of a shutter operation, and the like. Differences between touch locations can be detected by sensors. In addition, an operation of tapping any tap position twice within a short period of time can be defined as a tap operation.

Figure 2 schematically shows the interior of the main body from which the back cover has been removed. The box-shaped case of the main body 1 accommodates a display section 3, a camera section 4, a circuit board on which a signal processing IC is mounted, and the like. Furthermore, the case accommodates the sensing portion of the sensor 10 arranged along the side surface of the information input surface 5 . The sensor 10 is disposed in a space formed between the rear case and a circuit board (not shown). Since the sensor 10 is light and membrane-like, it can be mounted using, for example, double-sided adhesive tape.

Next, an example of the sensor 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 3 . As shown in FIG. 3A , the sensor 10 is integrally composed of a base portion 11 and a strip portion 12 extending from the base portion 11 using a flexible wiring board made of polyimide or the like. FIG. 3A is a view showing the sensor 10 taken out from the operation surface. Arranged on the backside of the view shown in FIG. 3A is the element surface.

Arranged on the element surface of the base portion 11 are chip elements such as signal processing ICs, crystal oscillators, resistors, capacitors, and the like. Formed on the element surface of the strip portion 12 is an electrode pattern. When the IC is an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) and the paired chips are mounted by flip chip mounting, the sensor 10 is miniaturized and thinned.

At almost the center of the band-like portion 12, many small holes 13 are formed along the upward and downward curves of the main body 1. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3C, the small hole 13 allows the band-like portion 12 to be easily bent along the line of the small hole 13 almost at a right angle to the element surface side. Instead of the aperture 13, a split or groove may also be formed to perform this function. Alternatively, since the strip portion 12 has a flexible feature, the strip portion 12 may be folded and accommodated in the main body 1 .

The folded portion on the far side of the strip portion 12 of the base portion 11 is the sensing portion 14 . As shown in the enlarged view of FIG. 3B , saw-like electrodes are formed on the element surface of the sensing portion 14 . In other words, the common electrodes 15 are formed at predetermined intervals in the direction in which the sensing portion 14 extends. The common electrodes 15 and the detection electrodes 16a, 16b, . . . are alternately arranged. The sensing portion 14 has a structure of a one-dimensional position sensor that detects a position in the direction in which the strip portion 12 extends.

As shown in FIG. 2 , the sensor 10 is accommodated in the main body 1 . The sensing portion 14 faces the information input surface 5 on the side surface of the main body 1 . Although the housing is disposed between the information input surface 5 and the sensing part 14, since the thickness of the housing is about 1mm, the position of the fingertip 6 and the touch operation of the fingertip 6 on the information input surface 5 can be detected by the sensor 10 arrive.

The sensing portion 14 of the sensor 10 forms an electrostatic capacitance between adjacent electrodes. When the fingertip 6 approaches the sensing portion 14, the electrostatic capacitance changes. Corresponding to the change in electrostatic capacitance, the coordinate position in the one-dimensional direction is detected. In other words, since the fingertip 6 has conductivity, the electric force lines generated between adjacent electrodes are absorbed by the fingertip. As a result, the electrostatic capacitance changes. Therefore, when the user touches the information input surface 5 with a metal substance, when a part of the electrostatic capacity of the operation surface changes, the position can be detected. However, when the user touches the information input surface 5 with a non-conductive substance (his or her fingernail, pen, etc.), the position cannot be detected. The sensor 10 operates according to the same theory, as a two-dimensional pointing device (known as a touchpad or trackpad).

FIG. 4 shows an example of the system configuration of the information terminal device according to this embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, this information terminal device has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 21 that controls the entire device. The CPU 21 controls each part of the device according to a program.

The display section 3, the camera section 4 and the sensor section 10 are connected to the CPU 21. The display section 3 displays a menu with which the information terminal device is controlled. Furthermore, the display section 3 is capable of displaying images captured by the camera section 4 . Further, a memory 22 storing programs and serving as a work area, an external memory 23, and a wireless device 24 are connected to the CPU 21. The external memory 23 is, for example, a removable memory card.

The wireless device 24 is a device that performs short-distance communication corresponding to the Bluetooth system, IrDA (Infrared Data Association) system, etc., wireless LAN (Local Area Network) communication, public wireless communication such as PHS (Personal Handyphone System), and the like. The wireless device 24 has been assigned, for example, an IP address. The wireless device 24 can communicate with another personal computer and with an outdoor access point. Wireless device 24 may send and receive commands, data, etc. over a wireless channel. Reference numeral 25 denotes a power supply section composed of a battery, a stabilizing circuit, and the like.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram describing an operation method of the wrist-watch type information terminal according to the present invention. The operation mode of the wristwatch type information terminal according to this embodiment of the present invention is switched by scrolling or tapping. Scrolling is an operation in which the user draws a line in an upward or downward direction with his or her fingertips on the information input surface 5 on the side surface of the main body 1 of the wristwatch type information terminal. In the following description, the operation of drawing a line in a downward direction on the information input surface 5 is referred to as scrolling down. On the other hand, an operation in which the user draws a line with his or her finger in an upward direction on the information input surface 5 is called upward scrolling. Tapping is an operation in which the user taps the information input surface 5 lightly. The tap is recognized differently depending on the tapped location. For example, as shown in FIG. 5B , an upper touch U, a central touch C, and a lower touch L are continuously defined in a downward direction in the figure.

Next, referring to FIG. 6, an example of the operation of the information terminal device according to this embodiment of the present invention will be described. According to the present embodiment, a plurality of operation modes can be used, the plurality of operation modes being a camera mode, a scheduler mode, an e-mail mode, and the like. The camera mode is an operation mode in which the device operates as a digital camera for photographing a desired subject. The schedule mode is an operation mode in which the device manages, for example, a personal schedule. The mail mode is an operation mode in which the device receives mail from a personal computer through a wireless channel or the like. In each mode, the display section 3 displays the mode name. First, the user performs a mode selection operation.

As shown in FIG. 6, when the user scrolls the information input surface 5 by drawing a line with his or her fingertips on the information input surface 5 in an upward or downward direction, the camera mode screen 31a, the schedule mode screen 31b , the e-mail mode screen 31c, ... etc. are switched continuously. When the desired mode screen appears, the mode is selected when the user taps the center touch.

While the camera mode screen 31a appears on the display section 3, when the center touch is tapped, the camera mode is selected. Next, the operation of the camera mode will be described with reference to FIG. 6 . When the center touch is touched, the camera mode menu screen 32a appears. The camera mode menu screen 32a has menus which are a shooting menu, a playback menu, a clear menu, and a return. The selected menu is highlighted, indicated with a cursor pointing in the opposite direction, etc. On the camera mode menu screen 32a, the shooting menu has been selected.

When scrolling down is performed in this state, the cursor moves down. The playback menu screen 32b and the clear menu screen 32c appear successively. When the scroll down is performed, the playback menu screen 32d appears. When one of the menu screens 32a, 32b, 32c, and 32d appears, when the center touch is touched, the menu that appears is selected. When the center touch is tapped on the screen 32d, the menu screen 32d changes to the camera mode screen 31a.

Next, each menu of the camera mode will be described. When the center touch is touched while the mode menu screen 32a appears, the shooting menu is selected. After that, an image display screen 33 ₁ displaying an image captured by the camera section 4 appears. The indication color of the shutter button 33a on the screen changes to inform the user that a shooting mode occurs. After the user has checked that the image display screen ₃₃₁ appears, he or she touches the center touch. Thus, the subject appearing on the image display screen ₃₃₂ is photographed. After the subject has been photographed, when the center touch is tapped, the photographed image appears for a predetermined period of time, for example three seconds. As long as the center touch is touched, the shutter button 33a is pressed. As a result, images are captured. Reference numeral 33b denotes an indication showing the number of remaining pictures that can be taken.

The image taken by the camera section 4 is compressed as necessary and then stored in the external memory 23 . When reproducing a captured image, image data is read from the external memory 23 . When the image data have been compressed, they are decompressed and displayed on the display section 3 . Captured images can be stored on internal flash memory instead of external memory.

When an image display screen such as the image display screen ₃₃₂ has been selected, scrolling down is performed in order to exit from the shooting menu. On screen ₃₃₃ , select the "Back" button and tap the center touch. When the center touch is tapped, the shooting menu exits to the menu screen 32d.

When the menu screen 32b appears, when the center touch is touched, the screen ₃₄₁ appears. On the screen ₃₄₁ , a playback image, an image index 34a, and a forward button 34b appear. The image index 34a indicates the image number of the image appearing on the screen among all the captured images. The forward button 34b is a button for displaying captured images one by one. While the screen 34 ₁ appears, when the center is touched, the screen 34 ₂ for the next captured image appears. Just touch the center, and the captured images appear one by one forward.

When a playback image display screen such as the image display screen ₃₄₂ appears, scrolling down is performed in order to exit from the playback menu. On screen ₃₄₃ , select the "Back" button and tap the center touch. When the center touch is touched, the playback menu is exited and the menu screen 32d appears.

When the clear menu is selected on the menu screen 32c, and the center touch is touched, the clear menu appears on the screen ₃₅₁ . A playback image, an image index 35a, and a clear button 35b appear on the screen ₃₅₁ . The image index 35a indicates the image number of the image appearing on the screen among all the captured images. When screen 35 ₁ appears, when the center touch is touched, clear confirmation screen 35 ₂ appears. On the clearing confirmation screen ₃₅₂ , a message "Do you want to clear this image?" and buttons "Yes" and "No" appear. To clear the image on the screen, select the button "Yes". To not clear the image on the screen, select the button "No". When the center touch is tapped, the selection operation is performed. After that, the clear confirmation screen for the next image appears.

When a clear confirmation screen such as the clear confirm screen ₃₅₂ appears, scrolling down is performed in order to exit from the clear menu. On screen ₃₅₃ , select the back button and tap the center tap. When the center touch is touched, the clear menu is exited, and then the menu screen 32d appears.

While the menu screen 32d appears, when the center touch is touched, the mode screen 31a appears.

Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 7 shows the appearance of the front and back of the compact digital camera according to the present invention. The dimensions of the compact digital camera (width x depth x height, excluding the largest protrusion) are (69.1 x 16.8 x 24) (mm). Since the compact digital camera is small, it can be held by fingers. Compact digital cameras use thin Li-ion single cells as power sources.

The power switch 42 is arranged beside the photographing lens 41 protruding from the front of the casing. The shutter switch 43 is arranged on the upper surface of the casing. Even if the power switch 42 has been turned off, when the shutter switch 43 is pressed, the power is immediately turned on, and the user can photograph a subject.

The LCD display 44 is arranged on the back of the casing. The size of the LCD display 44 is, for example, 0.44 inches. The LCD display 44 displays images that can be captured, playback images read from a medium such as a memory card, as well as menus and various mode images. Arranged on the housing next to the shutter button 43 is a touch panel 45 as an input device, as shown in the plan view of FIG. 8 . Marks for both end positions and middle positions are formed near the touch panel 45 .

FIG. 9 shows only the touch panel 45 . FIG. 9A shows the touchpad 45 viewed from the top of the housing. FIG. 9B shows the back of the touch panel 45 shown in FIG. 9A. The touch panel 45 is composed of a flexible wiring board 46, a plurality (for example, five) of pressure sensing switches 47a, 47b, 47c, 47d, and 47e arranged in a row on the flexible wiring board 46, and a cover covering the pressure sensing switches 47a to 47e. The resin sheet 48 is composed. The wiring portion of the flexible wiring board 46 is folded, if necessary, and housed in the case.

The pressure sensor switches 47a to 47e are arranged from the left in a state where the user holds the digital camera in his or her hand with his or her fingers. Any one of the pressure sensing switches 47a to 47e can be pressed through the resin sheet 48 with the user's finger. The pressure-sensing switches 47a to 47e have, for example, pressure-sensing contacts whose contact resistance values are continuously changed corresponding to the pressure. When the user applies a predetermined amount of pressure to the pressure-sensing switches 47a to 47e through the resin sheet 48 with his or her fingertips, these pressure-sensing switches are turned on. The switching states of the pressure sensing switches 47a to 47e are transmitted to a circuit section (control section) arranged in the casing.

Fig. 10 shows the configuration of the circuit portion of the digital camera. Reference numeral 50 denotes, for example, an image pickup section composed of, for example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device). The subject image enters the image pickup section 50 through the photographing lens 41 . The image pickup signal S1 is input from the image pickup section 50 to the signal processing section 51 . The signal processing section 51 has CDS (Correlated Double Sampling) and AGC. During the occurrence of reset noise in the image pickup signal S1, the CDS maintains the signal level of the image pickup signal at a predetermined voltage in order to reduce the noise component. The AGC automatically adjusts the amplitude of the image pickup signal S1.

Furthermore, the signal processing section 51 performs processing such as Y/C separation, gamma compensation, and white balance on the image pickup signal S1. The signal processing section 51 performs matrix processing to generate a video signal S2. The video signal S2 is converted into a digital video signal S3 by an A/D converter (analog-to-digital converter) 52 .

The digital video signal S3 is output to the bus 53 . The bus 53 is connected to a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 54 . Control signals, address signals, video data, etc. are transmitted through the bus 53 . The CPU 54 controls all operations of the digital camera.

Connected to bus 53 are system memory 55 , nonvolatile memory 56 , I/O ports 57 , and card interface 59 . The system memory 55 includes a ROM that stores programs and the like, and a RAM that is a work area for executing the programs. After the power is turned off, the nonvolatile memory 56 stores various constants for the operation of the digital camera.

The I/O port 57 transmits operation signals received from the operation section (the shutter button 43 and the touch panel) to the CPU 54 via the bus 53. A memory card MC can be connected to the memory card slot 58 . Data can be exchanged between the memory card MC connected to the memory card slot 58 and the CPU 54 through the card interface 59.

The antenna 60 and the transmitting and receiving circuit 61 constitute a GPS (Global Positioning System). However, GPS functionality is optional. Thus GPS is not always configured. A flash can be attached to a digital camera. A strobe light denoted by reference numeral 62 is controlled by a strobe light control section 63 . The flash control section 63 is connected to the CPU 54 through the bus 53. The control signal S4 is supplied from the CPU 54 to the strobe control section 63. Depending on user settings, automatic flash, flash on, or flash off operations are performed.

A calendar/clock section 64 is connected to the bus 53 . The calendar/clock section 64 manages recorded dates and times, remaining battery usage time, and the like. The recorded date and time are added to the captured images. Calculate remaining battery life, etc.

The digital video signal S3 is supplied from the A/D converter 52 to the compression/decompression section 65 . The compression/decompression section 65 compresses data according to, for example, JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group). The compressed video data is written to frame memory 66 . An analog video signal is supplied to the LCD display 44 through a D/A converter (digital-to-analog converter) 67 . The LCD display 44 displays images being captured.

When the user presses the shutter button 43, the CPU 54 reads the image data D1 captured when the shutter button 43 is pressed, and supplies the image data D1 to the compression/decompression section 65 through the bus 53, and simultaneously transmits the digital video signal S3 Write frame memory 66. The output of the frame memory 66 is supplied to the LCD display 44 through the D/A converter 67 and displayed on the LCD display 44 .

The compression/decompression section 65 compresses the captured image data D1 read from the frame memory 66 according to, for example, the JPEG system, and outputs compressed image data D2. The compressed image data D2 is output to the memory card slot 58 through the card interface 59 under the control of the CPU 54, and written into the memory card MC.

When the user operates the operation section (touch panel 45) and sets a mode, the CPU 54 sends a control signal S6 to the OSD section 68. The OSD section 68 outputs pattern images (ie, icon images) corresponding to the respective modes. The icon image is superimposed on the image on the LCD display 44 through the D/A converter 67 .

Next, an example of mode switching according to this other embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12 . Fig. 11 shows a table of an example of a shooting menu. Fig. 12 shows a table of an example of a playback menu. These menus have multiple setting items arranged in a matrix. Each menu item has a setting item. For example, the menu item "image quality selection" has an item "high image quality". Menu items and setting items are switched by operating the touch panel 45 in different ways. A menu is displayed on the LCD display 44 by simultaneously pressing both ends of the touch panel 45 (pressure sensor switches 47a and 47e). Select the desired menu by switching the menu items and setting items. When the desired menu appears on the LCD display 44, press both ends (pressure sensing switches 47a and 47e) simultaneously. As a result, the menu disappears, and the setting item that appears last among the plurality of setting items takes effect.

In the table of the shooting menu shown in FIG. 11 , menu items are switched one by one in the horizontal direction indicated by the arrow 71 . The setting items are switched one by one in the vertical direction indicated by the arrow 72 (from top to bottom). By drawing a trace with a fingertip on the touch panel 45 from left to right, the menu items are switched one by one in the direction indicated by the arrow 71 . As long as you touch the central part (the pressure sensor switch 47c at the central position) with your fingertips, the setting items are switched one by one.

When high image quality is selected as a menu item, a default item or a previous (recent) set item as an initially set item appears on the LCD display 44 . Menu items can be changed by touching the central portion of the touch panel 45 . Another menu item such as "White Balance" can be set by drawing a trace, for example, to the right with a fingertip on the touch panel 45 . As a result, the menu item "White Balance" is selected. The default item or the previously set item appears. The menu item "Daylight" can be switched to "Fluorescent" by pressing the central pressure-sensitive switch 47c on the touch panel 45 twice. When "Fluorescent Lamp" appears on the LCD display 44, by simultaneously pressing both ends of the touch panel 45 (pressure sensor switches 47a and 47e), the menu disappears and the last appearing setting item "Fluorescent Lamp" becomes effective.

Actually, icon images representing menu items appear on the LCD display 44 as shown in FIG. 13 . FIG. 13 shows setting items of the menu item "White Balance".

A screen 75 appears on the LCD display 44 when the white balance mode is selected. In the white balance mode, a "Daylight" mode screen 76, an "Incandescent" mode screen 77, and a "Fluorescent" mode screen 78 appear. Likewise, the respective mode screens appear in other modes, which are omitted here.

The setting switching operation for the table of the playback menu shown in FIG. 12 is the same as that for the shooting menu. By drawing left and right traces on the upper portion of the touch panel 45, the menu items are switched one by one as indicated by the arrow 73. In each menu item, as long as the central pressure sensing switch 47c is pressed, the menu items are switched one by one from top to bottom as shown by arrow 74 . When a desired menu item is selected, a default setting item or a previous (recent) setting item appears on the LCD display 44 .

"Clear One Image" or "Clear All Images" is a menu item for clearing the image data of the memory card MC. When performing a clear operation, a menu item "Execute clear operation" appears, which asks the user if he wants to perform a clear operation. When the menu item "Perform Clear Operation" is selected, the clear operation is performed. At this point, an "Executing" icon appears on the LCD display 44 indicating that the clearing operation is being performed. Like the shooting menu, when the desired menu appears on the LCD display 44, by simultaneously pressing both ends of the touch panel 45 (pressure sensor switches 47a and 47e), the menu disappears and the setting item that appeared last takes effect.

When the pressure sensing switch 47a at the left end of the touch panel 45 is continuously pressed, the remaining battery usage time and the remaining number of images that can be captured appear.

Although the present invention has been described in terms of its preferred embodiment, those skilled in the art will understand that the foregoing and various other changes, omissions, omissions, etc., may be made in the form and details of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. and additional. For example, the present invention can be applied to a sensor that can detect the position of a finger, such as a touch switch that turns on when a fingertip is touched, instead of an electrostatic type position sensor and a pressure sensor switch. In addition, like wrist watches, the present invention can also be applied to wearable information terminal devices such as necklaces, rings, and bracelets. Furthermore, the present invention can be applied to a PDA-type or cellular phone-type information terminal device.

claims

(Amended in accordance with Article 19 of the Treaty)

1. (Modify) An input device for a monitor of a digital camera, comprising:

a position sensor disposed on a part of the side surface facing the monitor,

wherein the position sensor detects a touch position of a finger on the position sensor and a touch and release of a finger to or from the position sensor, and

Wherein an operation signal corresponding to a finger position and a touch and release operation of the finger is supplied to a controller which controls the digital camera.

2. An input device for an information terminal device, comprising:

a position sensor having a sensing portion accommodated in a casing of the main body of the information terminal device,

wherein the position sensor detects a touch position of a finger on a housing front surface of the sensing portion, and a touch and release of a finger to or from the housing front surface, and

Wherein an operation signal corresponding to a finger position and a touch and release operation of the finger is supplied to a controller which controls the information terminal device.

3. (Modified) An input device as claimed in claim 1 or 2,

Wherein, when the finger touches the sensing part or the front surface of the casing, the selection position is changed by moving the finger on the sensing part or the front surface of the casing of the sensing part.

4. (Modified) An input device as claimed in claim 1 or 2,

Wherein the confirmation input is performed by touching and releasing a finger to or from the position sensor or the front surface of the housing.

5. (Deleted).

6. (Deleted).

7. (Modification) An input device as claimed in claim 1 or 2,

Wherein the shell is made of non-conductive material.

8. (Modified) An input device as claimed in claim 7,

Wherein the non-conductive material is ceramic or plastic.

9. An input device as claimed in claim 1 or 2,

Wherein a sensing portion of the position sensor is formed in a film shape, and the position sensor detects a change in electrostatic capacity that occurs when a finger touches the position sensor.

10. An input device as claimed in claim 1 or 2,

Wherein the position sensor has a plurality of pressure-sensing switches arranged at least in one direction, and these pressure-sensing switches are turned on when the fingers touch the pressure-sensing switches.

11. (Modified) A digital camera, including:

input device; and

a controller which controls the digital camera and receives an operation signal from said input device,

Wherein said input device comprises:

a position sensor disposed on a part of the side surface facing the monitor of the digital camera,

wherein the position sensor detects a touch position of a finger on the position sensor and a touch and release of a finger to or from the position sensor, and

Wherein an operation signal corresponding to a finger position and a touch and release operation of the finger is supplied to the controller which controls the digital camera.

12. An information terminal device, comprising:

input device; and

a controller which controls the information terminal equipment and receives an operation signal from said input device,

Wherein said input device comprises:

a position sensor having a sensing portion housed in a casing of the main body of the information terminal device,

wherein the position sensor detects the touch position of the finger on the front surface of the housing of the sensing portion, and the touch and release of the finger to or from the front surface of the housing, and

Wherein the input device generates an operation signal corresponding to the position of the finger and the touch and release operation of the finger.

13. The information terminal device according to claim 12,

Wherein, when the finger touches the front surface of the casing, the selection position is changed by moving the finger on the front surface of the casing.

14. The information terminal device according to claim 12,

Wherein the confirmation input is performed by touching and releasing a finger to or from the front surface of the housing.

15. (deleted).

16. The information terminal device according to claim 12,

The position where the finger touches and releases is a predetermined position on the front surface of the housing.

17. The information terminal device according to claim 12,

Wherein the shell is made of non-conductive material.

18. The information terminal device according to claim 17,

Wherein the non-conductive material is ceramic or plastic.

19. (Modification) The information terminal device as claimed in claim 12,

Wherein a sensing portion of the position sensor is formed in a film shape, and the position sensor detects a change in electrostatic capacitance that occurs when a finger touches the position sensor.

20. (Modification) The information terminal device as claimed in claim 12,

Wherein the position sensor has a plurality of pressure-sensing switches arranged at least in one direction, and these pressure-sensing switches are turned on when the fingers touch the pressure-sensing switches.

21. (deleted).

22. (deleted).

23. (deleted).

24. (Increase) An input device for a wristwatch-type information terminal device, including:

The position sensor is arranged on a part of the side surface facing the display surface of the wrist-watch type information terminal device,

wherein the position sensor detects a touch position of a finger on the position sensor and a touch and release of a finger to or from the position sensor, and

Therein, operation signals corresponding to finger positions and touch and release operations of the fingers are supplied to a controller that controls the wrist-watch type information terminal device.

25. (increase) the input device as claimed in claim 24,

Wherein, when the finger touches the sensing part or the front surface of the casing, the selection position is changed by moving the finger on the sensing part or the front surface of the casing of the sensing part.

26. (increase) the input device as claimed in claim 24,

Wherein the confirmation input is performed by touching and releasing a finger to or from said position sensor.

27. (increase) the input device as claimed in claim 24,

The position where the finger touches and releases is the sensing portion or a predetermined position on the front surface of the casing of the sensing portion.

28. (increase) the input device as claimed in claim 24,

Wherein the shell is made of non-conductive material.

29. (increase) the input device as claimed in claim 24,

Wherein the position sensor has a sensing portion which is formed in a film shape and which detects a change in electrostatic capacity which occurs when a finger touches the position sensor.

30. (Increase) the input device as claimed in claim 24,

Wherein the position sensor has a plurality of pressure-sensing switches arranged at least in one direction, and these pressure-sensing switches are turned on when the fingers touch the pressure-sensing switches.

31. (Increase) A wristwatch-type information terminal device, including:

input device; and

a controller which controls the wrist-watch type information terminal device and receives an operation signal from said input device,

Wherein said input device comprises:

The position sensor is arranged on a part of the side surface facing the display surface of the wrist-shaped information terminal device,

wherein the position sensor detects a touch position of a finger on the position sensor and a touch and release of a finger to or from the position sensor, and

Wherein an operation signal corresponding to a finger position and a touch and release operation of the finger is supplied to the controller which controls the wrist-watch type information terminal device.

32. (increase) the information terminal device as claimed in claim 31,

Wherein, when the finger touches the front surface of the casing, the selection position is changed by moving the finger on the front surface of the casing.

33. (increase) the information terminal device as claimed in claim 31,

Wherein confirmation input is performed by touching and releasing a finger to or from the position sensor.

34. (increase) the information terminal device as claimed in claim 31,

The position where the finger touches and releases is a predetermined position on the front surface of the housing.

35. (increase) the information terminal device as claimed in claim 31,

Wherein the shell is made of non-conductive material.

36. (increase) the information terminal device as claimed in claim 31,

Wherein the position sensor has a sensing portion which is formed in a film shape and which detects a change in electrostatic capacity which occurs when a finger touches the position sensor.

37. (increase) the information terminal device as claimed in claim 31,

Wherein the position sensor has a plurality of pressure-sensing switches arranged at least in one direction, and these pressure-sensing switches are turned on when the fingers touch the pressure-sensing switches.

Claims (23)

1. input equipment that is used for information terminal device comprises:

Position transducer is configured on the part of outside surface of this information terminal device main body,

Wherein said position transducer detects the touch location of finger on described position transducer, and finger to or from the touch and the release of described position transducer, and

Wherein will offer the controller of controlling this information terminal device corresponding to the touch of finger position and finger and the operation signal of releasing operation.

2. input equipment that is used for information terminal device comprises:

Position transducer has the transducing part in the housing that is contained in this information terminal device main body,

Wherein said position transducer detects the touch location of finger on the housing front surface of transducing part, and finger to or from the touch and the release of this housing front surface, and

Wherein will offer the controller of controlling this information terminal device corresponding to the touch of finger position and finger and the operation signal of releasing operation.

3. input equipment as claimed in claim 2,

Wherein point when touching the housing front surface, change chosen position by moveable finger on the housing front surface.

4. input equipment as claimed in claim 2,

Wherein by to or touch and discharge finger from the housing front surface and carries out and confirm to import.

5. input equipment as claimed in claim 2,

Wherein dispose the display part in the main body.

6. input equipment as claimed in claim 2,

Wherein the position of finger touch and release is the precalculated position on the housing front surface.

7. input equipment as claimed in claim 2,

Wherein this housing is made by non-conducting material.

8. input equipment as claimed in claim 8,

Wherein this non-conducting material is pottery or plastics.

9. input equipment as claimed in claim 1 or 2,

The transducing part of wherein said position transducer forms membranaceous, and the variation of the electrostatic capacitance that described position transducer detection is taken place when described position transducer of finger touch or housing front surface.

10. input equipment as claimed in claim 1 or 2,

Wherein said position transducer has a plurality of pressure-sensitive switch of arranging at least in one direction, and these pressure-sensitive switch are connected when these pressure-sensitive switch of finger touch.

11. an information terminal apparatus comprises:

Input media; And

Controller, it controls this information terminal apparatus, and receives operation signal from described input media,

Wherein said input media comprises:

Position transducer is configured on the part of outside surface of this information terminal apparatus main body,

Wherein this position transducer detect finger on this position transducer touch location and finger to or from the touch and the release of this position transducer, and

Wherein will offer the described controller of controlling this information terminal apparatus corresponding to the touch of finger position and finger and the operation signal of releasing operation.

12. an information terminal apparatus comprises:

Input media; And

Controller, it controls this information terminal apparatus, and receives operation signal from described input media,

Wherein said input media comprises:

Position transducer has the transducing part in the housing that is contained in this information terminal apparatus main body,

Wherein said position transducer detects the touch location of finger on the front surface of the housing of transducing part, and finger to or from the touch and the release of the front surface of this housing, and

Wherein said input media produces corresponding to the touch of finger position and finger and the operation signal of releasing operation.

13. information terminal apparatus as claimed in claim 12,

Wherein point in the front surface that touches housing, change chosen position by moveable finger on the front surface of housing.

14. information terminal apparatus as claimed in claim 12,

Wherein by to or touch and discharge finger from the housing front surface and carries out and confirm to import.

15. information terminal apparatus as claimed in claim 12,

Wherein dispose the display part in the main body.

16. information terminal apparatus as claimed in claim 12,

Wherein the position of finger touch and release is the precalculated position on the housing front surface.

17. information terminal apparatus as claimed in claim 12,

Wherein this housing is made by non-conducting material.

18. information terminal apparatus as claimed in claim 17,

Wherein this non-conducting material is pottery or plastics.

19. as claim 11 or 12 described information terminal apparatus,

Wherein the transducing part of position transducer forms membranaceously, and position transducer detects the variation of the electrostatic capacitance taken place when the finger touch position transducer.

20. as claim 11 or 12 described information terminal apparatus,

Wherein this position transducer has a plurality of pressure-sensitive switch of arranging at least in one direction, and these pressure-sensitive switch are connected when these pressure-sensitive switch of finger touch.

21. the mode switching method with information terminal device of various modes, wherein each pattern has sub-setting item, and this method may further comprise the steps:

With the finger position transducer than top setting-out mark with the switch mode project;

Discharge finger to switch setting item with the precalculated position on the finger touch position transducer and from this; And

The screen that on display, shows the indication present mode.

22. mode switching method as claimed in claim 21,

Wherein the pattern just switched of its schema entry is set to last pattern.

23. mode switching method as claimed in claim 21,

Wherein as long as use the finger touch precalculated position, and from this release finger, then schema entry change.

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